2018 News

2018 News

December 31

Maureen J. Garrity, Ph.D, 70, passed away surrounded by friends, on Sunday, December 23, following a long and courageous fight with breast cancer. She was born June 23, 1948, in Bakersfield, CA, the daughter of Joan and William Garrity.

Throughout her career, Dean Garrity was an exemplar of professionalism with a long-standing record of dedication to the well-being of students. For her efforts, she has been recognized at the CU School of Medicine with various awards, including the Chancellor’s Teaching Recognition award in 2013, the Faculty Professionalism Award in 2016, and nationally with the 2014 Association of American Medical Collages (AAMC) Group on Student Affairs (GSA) Exemplary Service Award.

She was particularly impactful in supporting student-led programs on social determinants of health, leadership and community service. In 2016, honoring her longtime commitment to the University of Colorado School of Medicine and its medical students, the Maureen Garrity, Ph.D Endowed Scholarship Fund was established. After retiring in 2017, students gathered to pay tribute to her by showcasing numerous programs that would not have occurred without Dean Garrity’s vision and encouragement.

Maureen was active with the AAMC/GSA for a number of years, serving as Western representative to the Committee on Student Affairs, and then as its chair, and was National Chair of the AAMC Group on Student Affairs from 2010-2011.

Maureen’s impact on students, faculty, staff and colleagues across the country was truly amazing and leaves an immeasurable legacy of educators, physicians, leaders and friends.

Maureen received her Ph.D in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin with an emphasis in Physiological Psychology. She did her post-doctoral training in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Washington, Seattle, and subsequently joined the faculty in the Department of Medicine. In 1983, she came to the University of Colorado.

After suffering a recurrence of cancer in September of 2016, she retired after 34 years at the University in March of 2017, and moved to Estes Park, CO, where she was able to explore her love for cooking, sewing, quilting and photography.

An ardent traveler, Maureen and her partner, Nan Ryan, made two trips to New Zealand, two to Switzerland, one to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, and Ireland and Costa Rica, plus many trips to her beloved Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Seattle and Oregon.

Maureen helped to establish the Nan Ryan Invitational in Estes Park in 2004, a golf tournament with proceeds going to the Estes Park Junior Golf Program. For 16 years she was a year-round volunteer for the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships in Quincy, IL, an international junior golf tournament, and was awarded its Volunteer-of-the-Year Award for her long service in 2017.

She is survived by her partner of 16 years, Nan Ryan, her sister and brother-in-law, Annette and Kent Gruber, her cats Sterling and Taz, several siblings, an aunt, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Celebrations of her Life will be held in Denver, Estes Park and Quincy, IL, later in 2019.

Memorials may be made to the University of Colorado Maureen Garrity Endowed Scholarship Fund at http://giving.cu.edu/GarrityScholarship,or to the Maureen Garrity/Little People’s Scholarship Fund, % Mary Jo Hunt, 2030 Lind, Quincy, IL 62301.

December 28

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Maureen Garrity. Maureen was Nan’s partner of 16 years and a long-time volunteer at Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships. She was named Volunteer of the Year in 2017 for her 14 years of year-round service. Prior to retirement, Maureen Ph.D, worked at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus as Associate Professor of Medicine and Physiology, Associate Dean School of Medicine. She was a familiar face at the tournament and will be greatly missed by players, families and volunteers. Maureen loved to cook and enjoyed fine food. On her ‘bucket list’ was dinner at Chez Panisse in Berkeley — which she was able to enjoy December 13. Maureen suffered a stroke on December 21 and passed away on December 23.

December 7

Jerry Haas, Head Men’s Golf Coach at Wake Forest, has been named winner of the Labron Harris Sr. Award presented by the Golf Coaches Association of America in cooperation with The PGA of America. The Award is presented to the college or high school coach and Class A PGA Professional whose support of the game through teaching, coaching and involvement in the community has helped ensure the continued growth of the game of golf and who represents the finest qualities the game has to offer.
Haas played in the inaugural Peps Little People’s Golf Championships in 1974, winning his 10-11 age division. He repeated his victory in 1975, and won his 14-15 age division in 1978.
Haas is in his 22nd season at Wake Forest, and has rebuilt his alma mater back into a perennial contender for ACC and NCAA Championships.
Haas also runs one of the biggest junior camps in the country, having over 150 campers go on to play at the Division 1 level.
Congratulations Jerry! From all of us at Pepsi Little People’s!

Haas is presented the Harris Award by PGA President Suzy Whaley

December 3

ATTENTION ALL LITTLE PEOPLE’S PARENTS…

We love to see what our Pepsi Little People’s players are doing when not playing Little People’s, but we need your help in doing so.

Please send me information on what your kids have done this summer, and keep me posted throughout the year, as I will post the information on our website (www.littlepeoplesgolf.com) under NEWS, and on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/littlepeoplesgolf). You can email it to me at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, or text me at 217-257-5718.

Thanks for your help in keeping us updated on all the wonderful things Little People’s players are doing. Nan

December 3

QUINCY BREAKFAST OPTIMIST CLUB

TO HELP ADAMS COUNTY PLAYERS

The Quincy Breakfast Optimist Club, in an effort to support junior golf and encourage players from Adams County to participate in the 2019 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, will pay a part of the entry fee for the first 30 players from Adams County who wish to participate in the 2019 event.

The BOC will pay $20 toward the entry fee for boys and girls 3-7; $30 for boys and girls 8-9; $35 for boys and girls 10-11 and $40 for boys and girls 12-18.

When sending in entries for any Adams County player, the amount sent should reflect these discounts.

Any questions should be addressed to Tournament Director Nan Ryan at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com or 217-257-5718.

December 3

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LITTLE PEOPLE’S PLAYERS

CONCERNING QUALIFYING AND RANKINGS

American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) — Pepsi Little People’s is included in the AJGA Performance Based Entry system for boys and girls 14-18 and 12-13 age divisions, with Performance Stars awarded in these age divisions. For more information contact www.ajga.org

IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships— Pepsi Little People’s is a qualifier for boys and girls ages 5 through 14 for the 2019 IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships. For more information contact www.juniorworldgolf.com

Future Champions Golf – The top three finishers in each Little People’s age division will receive an invitation for the 2019 Future Champions Golf National Championship, to be held at the end of the year. For more information, contact www.futurechampionsgolf.com

Future Collegians World Tour – The top five finishers in the boys and girls 16-18, 14-15 and 12-13 age divisions in the 2019 Pepsi Little People’s will be awarded an exemption to the 2020 Future Collegians World Tour Championship. In addition, all players who participate in two FCWT Junior golf tournaments during the 2019-2020 regular season will receive a $50 discount off the second tournament fee. For more information contact www.FCWTgolf.com

PLAY Junior Golf Tour — All Division winners in the 2019 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships will receive an invitation to enter any one of 10 PLAY Junior Golf Tour (PJGT) events during the 2019 season, and will receive an invitation letter with tournament information at the Prize Presentation for their Division. For more information contact www.pjgtour.com

Linda Horner, a long-time volunteer for Pepsi Little People’s, passed away November 27. All of us at Little People’s are remembering her with great fondness and affection. Her work with the kids who played in Little People’s at River Valley and with the Parent-Child tournament there was outstanding. She was a dedicated volunteer and a wonderful ambassador for junior golf for more than the 10 years that she volunteered for Little People’s. Her personal courage and her wonderful sense of humor in the face of her illness was amazing. We offer sympathy to her family for their loss and wish them many wonderful memories.

Vicki Goetze came to Pepsi Little People’s for the first time in 1978, and swept her 3-5 age division, winning by 113 strokes. And she never looked back, taking 2ndin 1979 and 1981, and winning her division again in 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984.

“My parents took us (Vicki and brother Nicky) to Little People’s for fun,” she said,” but if we wanted to keep going there and other events we had to practice a little bit. We loved Little People’s so much we did practice. I think it was the first place I had a rice crispy treat too!”

Vicki continued her winning ways by winning the U.S. Women’s Amateur twice (the first as a 16-year-old), and was named 1989 Titleist/Golfweek Amateur Player of the Year. A member of the 1990 Curtis Cup Team, she was named National Player of the Year in 1992 and 1993 by the National Golf Coaches Association. She joined the LPGA Tour in 1994.

“I only have three trophies from my entire career in our house,” says Vicki. “The Women’s U.S. amateur medals, NCAA Champion, and my first Little People’s trophy from 1978. That was where it all started.”

Vicki married Jim Ackerman in 1997 and in 2005 gave birth to their first child, Jacob, now an up and coming young golfer.

Since 2012, Vicki Goetze-Ackerman has been President of the LPGA Tour, representing the players, making sure their thoughts, concerns and opinions are represented in all aspects of the Tour. In this capacity, she travels to about 15 LPGA events a year. She also teaches at Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club in Valrico, FL.

“Our son Jake played with a young man in August who was wearing a Little People’s hat,” said Vicki. “It prompted quite the reminiscing with the family. I attribute much of my desire to play golf as a child to Pepsi Little People’s and the wonderful experiences I had there.”

Vicki Goetze-Ackerman and son Jake

November 13

Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce that Applebee’s will again sponsor the ever-popular Parent-Child tournament and associated events in 2019!

The optional 9-hole Applebee’s Parent-Child will be played Sunday (Father’s Day), June 16, 2019, on holes 19-27 at Westview Golf Course, Quincy, IL. The alternate shot event is the kick-off to the 46th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, which will be played June 17-19 in Quincy. The Applebee’s Parent-Child annually draws 60+ teams made up of one current Little People’s player and a parent, sibling or friend.

Applebee’s will also sponsor the Putting, Driving and Best Dressed Team contests, held in conjunction with the Parent-Child event.

In addition, on Monday, June 17, practice round day, Applebee’s will hold a Closest to the Pin contest on the 9th hole at Westview, with a $75 Gift Certificate from the Westview Pro Shop going to the winner.

An Applebee’s representative will be on hand at the Family Celebration Picnic on Monday night to present trophies and medals to the winners in all Applebee’s events.

“We are extremely delighted to have formed this partnership with Applebee’s,” stated Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director. “Applebee’s has long been a strong supporter of the tournament with its Closest to the Pin contest, and sponsoring the Parent-Child and associated events solidifies their belief in junior golf and Little People’s.”

“We are happy to continue our sponsorship of the Closest to the Pin Contest and the Parent-Child event,” said Kevin Allardice, Managing Partner of The Bloomin’ Apple, LLC, franchisee of Applebee’s. “As a golfer myself, I am extremely happy to help up-and-coming young golfers in the hopes that we may see them in the pros in the future.”

ABOUT APPLEBEE’S

Applebee’s is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with approximately 2000 locations in 49 states, 16 countries and one US territory. Based in Glendale, California, Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. All Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants are franchised.

The Bloomin’ Apple, LLC is a franchisee of Applebee’s, based in Mt. Pleasant South Carolina, and operates 19 restaurants throughout the states of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, including the restaurant in Quincy, Illinois.

ABOUT PEPSI LITTLE PEOPLE’S

The Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is an international junior golf competition for boys and girls aged 3 through 18. The 46th annual tournament will be held June 17-19 at two golf courses in Quincy, Illinois USA. Competition is held in seven age divisions for boys and seven age divisions for girls. More information and entry forms are available at www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, or by contacting Nan Ryan, Tournament Director, at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, or 217-257-5718.

ABOUT APPLEBEE’S

Applebee’s is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with approximately 2000 locations in 49 states, 16 countries and one US territory. Based in Glendale, California, Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. All Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants are franchised.

The Bloomin’ Apple, LLC is a franchisee of Applebee’s, based in Mt. Pleasant South Carolina, and operates 19 restaurants throughout the states of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, including the restaurant in Quincy, Illinois.

The Pepsi Little People’s Tournament Committee has made the decision that any type of green-reading material, i.e. scopes, maps, apps or professionally-written notes or documents, will NOT BE ALLOWED during competition at the 2019 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, June 16-19. This includes the Applebee’s Parent-Child on Sunday, June 16, practice rounds on Monday, June 17, and competition rounds on Tuesday-Wednesday, June 18-19, 2019. Hand drawn or written information about a putting green is only allowed if contained in a book or paper meeting the size limit (4-1/4” x 7”) and written by the player and/or his or her caddie. Any violation of this rule will be cause for disqualification.

October 18

Wolfgang Glawe, who in 2010 was the first European to win a division in Pepsi Little People’s, is continuing his winning ways.

This year, Wolfgang now 16, won the German Amateur Team Championship with GC Mannheim in the Bundesliga. He finished 4that the Irish Under 16, and shot a course record 8-under-par 64 at Sinsheim GC while qualifying for the International Match-Play Trophy in Germany. He also finished 3rdat the German Under 16 Championships and was successful in several international tournaments. He will play in Doral, FL, later in 2018.

Wolfgang, who has a Thai mother and German father, dreams of being a student and college golfer at the University of Illinois.

Congratulations Wolfgang!!! We wish you the best in your upcoming tournaments, and hope to see you back at Pepsi Little People’s soon.

August 21

Tournament officials are delighted to announce that the 2019 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships will again be recognized by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). Little People’s has been a part of the AJGA recognition system since 1987, with the winners and subsequent places in the boys and girls 14-18 and 12-13 divisions receiving Performance Stars. Below are the Performance Stars given for each Division in 2019.

Boys

Age

Rank

Status

12 – 13

1 to 1

2 Stars

12 – 13

2 to 5

1 Star

14 – 18

1 to 1

12 Stars

14 – 18

2 to 5

8 Stars

14 – 18

6 to 10

4 Stars

14 – 18

11 to 15

1 Star

Girls

Age

Rank

Status

12 – 13

1 to 1

2 Stars

12 – 13

2 to 3

1 Star

14 – 18

1 to 1

12 Stars

14 – 18

2 to 3

8 Stars

14 – 18

4 to 5

4 Stars

14 – 18

6 to 10

1 Star

It is important that Pepsi Little People’s is able to offer its golfers in these age groups an opportunity to gain AJGA Performance Stars, as it helps them to build a resume under the AJGA PBE system and helps with possible college scholarships. In addition, it provides the AJGA an opportunity to recognize and provide opportunities to golfers who might not have had a chance to play in an AJGA event.

The 46thannual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, for boys and girls ages 3 through 18, will be played June 18-19 at two golf courses in Quincy, IL. Throughout the past 45 years, more than 24,000 young golfers have played in Little People’s. Many of them are now instrumental in golf in some way, and a good number are now playing on one of the professional golf tours or on their college teams.

For more information on the 2019 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, go to www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, or call Tournament Director Nan Ryan at 217-257-5718.

August 3

Former Little People’s player Peyton Broce is one of six golfers to be named to the second class of Presidential Scholarship winners, presented by the Golf Coaches Association of America. Honorees must be a child or grandchild of a GCAA member coach or retired coach in good standing.

Peyton is the daughter of IUPUI head coach Jamie Broce, who also played in Little People’s, in 1989 and 1990.

Peyton made honor roll every semester from 2012-2018 and was a four-year member of her high school golf team. She will be attending Mt. Vernon Nazarene, where she will be a member of the golf team.

Congratulations Peyton!!

July 15

Thailand’s Thidapa Suwannapura held on to win her first LPGA title, the Marathon Classic, in a sudden-death playoff with Brittany Lincicome.

The former Pepsi Little People’s player, who won her 12-13 division in 2005 and was 2nd in that division in 2006, played the sudden-death playoff hole to perfection, for her first victory in 121 starts on the LPGA Tour.

Congratulations, Thidapa! We remember you so well at Little People’s!

July 11

Camille Kuznik, a regular contender in Pepsi Little People’s, has won the 2018 Minnesota State Junior Girls Championship, shooting 74-72–146. Her total was one stroke better than runnerup Emma Welch, another Pepsi Little People’s contender.

Camille finished second in the 14-15 age division of the 2018 Little People’s, while Emma was 3rd in that division.

Camille started the final round in a tie for second, one shot off the lead. “I wanted to go as low as I could today” said Kuznik. “Coming into today I knew I had a chance and wanted to pull through. I’m really happy about it. On the last hole I almost had a three-putt — I was so scared. I thought it was going to lip-out at first, but it went right in”

Kuznik scored 148 in Little People’s and 145 in the State Farm Youth Classic for a 293 total, while Weyrauch’s scores were 150 and 153 for 303.

In the 6B/6G divisions, Evan Quinnof Brainerd, MN, scored 163 and 151 for a 314 total to take honors in his Division, while Camille Kuznikof Orono, MN, won the 6G title with 152-152—304.

The scores of golfers who played in both the Pepsi Little People’s in Quincy, IL, June 19-20, and the State Farm Youth Classic in Bloomington, IL, the following week, are combined to determine the Grand Champions.

Congratulations to these four fine golfers.

June 27

Siena Minor has won the coveted George T. Berry Memorial Sportsmanship Award for Girls in the 2018 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.

Siena was playing in her first Little People’s after taking two years off to play basketball. Through family urging, she decided to compete again.

She was leading her group early through the first round, and on #9, moved her marker so her fellow-competitor could putt, but forgot to replace the marker.

While playing the 10thhole, she suddenly realized what she had done, and called the two-stroke penalty on herself. Despite the penalty, she led her 12-13 age Division by 1 stroke at the end of the first day.

The 12-year-old from Columbia, MO, finished the second round with an 83 to place third in her Division, 4 shots behind the winner.

For her honesty, she has been awarded the Sportsmanship Award for 2018.

“The best part,” said her Grandmother Sue Minor, who nominated her, “is that she’s back on the golf course!”

The Award was named for George Berry, father of Pepsi Little People’s Founder Nan Ryan. Berry was instrumental in the beginning of the Little People’s tournament.

April 23

CALLING ALL ADAMS COUNTY JUNIOR GOLFERS!

Now is the time to sign up for the 45th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, being held June 18-20 at Westview Golf Course and KC Par-3 in Quincy.

And, it’s time to take advantage of the Quincy Breakfast Optimist Club’s offer to provide scholarship funding to assist Adams County golfers who want to play Little People’s.

“With one of the top youth golf tournaments in the world held in our own backyard, we want local young golfers to have every opportunity to play against the best competition in the world. We want to make sure the entry fee is not an obstacle for any child who wants to compete,” said John Ohnemus, chair of the Optimist Club’s golf committee.

“Little People’s is delighted that the Quincy Breakfast Optimist Club is helping make it possible for more Quincy golfers to participate in our tournament” stated Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director. “Although Little People’s is an international tournament, we encourage local participation, as it gives Adams County youth an opportunity to compete in a national junior tournament with players from around the World.”

The tournament will be preceded by the ever-popular Applebee’s Parent-Child event on Sunday (Father’s Day), June 17, at Westview, and includes putting and driving contests, as well as a Best Dressed Team contest.

Practice rounds are Monday, June 18, with competition at Westview and KC Par-3 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The tournament is open to boys and girls ages 3 through 18.

For more information on the discounts that the BOC will offer to Adams County players, please go to www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, click on REGISTRATION, then Optimist Discount.

Entry forms for the 2018 tournament are now available at www.littlepeoplesgolf. All divisions are filling up, so get your entry in NOW. For further information, please contact Nan Ryan at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, or call 217-257-5718.

April 23

Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce that Garb Inc., the leader in kid’s golf apparel, will again partner with the tournament in 2018.

Garb is offering all players in the 2018 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships a special code for a 20% discount off everything from garbinc.com. In addition to discounted apparel for all participants, the winner of each division of the 2018 Pepsi Little People’s will be awarded a $50 gift card redeemable for anything at garbinc.com.

“We are delighted that Garb Inc. is offering these gift certificates and discounts to our Little People’s players,” stated Nan Ryan, Executive Director of Pepsi Little People’s. “We know that our players will be extremely pleased to be able to purchase Garb Inc. clothing using this discount”.

“After meeting Nan and learning all about the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships and what it means to young golfers and the community, I knew that their core values aligned with ours at Garb and it was something we wanted to be a part of. We are happy to offer these talented junior golfers discounted apparel and gift cards to the winners,” said Tyler Silva, Garb’s Director of New Business Development.

ABOUT GARB INC.

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Garb is the original junior golf apparel brand. Founded in 1996 on the belief that kids needed a brand to call their own — a brand dedicated to golf’s next generation that offers great styling and unrivaled quality. In creating the junior golf apparel category, Garb has become a beloved brand, company and culture proudly embraced by some of the finest golf shops and most prestigious golf events throughout North America.

In 2006, Garb expanded its scope with entry into the collegiate licensed marketplace, launching its “Team” division. With over 130 division I licenses Team Garb brings a fresh new offering to collegiate licensed merchandise for kids.

Trinity Beth, a regular contender in Pepsi Little People’s, played 8th in girls 10-11 group, while Brooke Biermann was 5th in her 14-15 age division.

March 12

The 2018 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships has been approved for the American Junior Golf Association’s Performance Based Entry Recognition System for its boys/girls 14-18 and 12-13 Age Divisions.

The AJGA will give Stars to the winners and 2nd to 5th place finishers for boys and girls in the 12-13 age divisions, and to the winners and 2nd to 10th place finishers for boys and girls in the 14-18 age divisions.

Pepsi Little People’s, an international junior golf tournament, will be celebrating its 45th year of serving junior golfers aged 3 through 18 at the 2018 tournament, June 18-20, in Quincy, IL.

Competition will be in seven age divisions for boys and seven age divisions for girls (3-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10- 11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-18).

Entry forms and information are available at www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, or you may call Tournament Director Nan Ryan at 217-257-5718.

February 8

February 5

Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is now a part of the Global Junior Golf Ranking system, which ranks one-day and multi-day tournaments by state and region in more than 240 countries for players ages 5 through 19.

The system ranks junior golfers by calculating each week’s performance in the categories of Boys and Girls participating in junior golf tournaments worldwide. GJGR is dedicated to giving student golfers the knowledge and tools they need to successfully market their golf game to college coaches and better their chances of playing golf at a collegiate level.

Players can sign up for the GJGR Junior Golf Rankings by going to juniorgolfranking.com.

February 5

Hy-Vee Supermarket Company will again be a sponsor of the Pepsi Little People’s Family Celebration Picnic.

Hy-Vee will join Refreshment Services Pepsi, WGEM and The Quincy Herald Whig in co-sponsoring this very popular event for Little People’s players, families, sponsors and others interested in junior golf.

“Hy-Vee will also cater the event with all the food people like to eat at a picnic,” stated Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director.

Hy-Vee is an employee-owned chain of more than 240 supermarkets located throughout the Midwest.

“We are extremely pleased to add Hy-Vee to our picnic co-sponsors,” added Ryan. “The company has been very supportive of Little People’s and its events for the past several years.”

“Hy-Vee is very proud to be a sponsor and partner of such a great event that brings all these young golfers to Quincy,” stated Broadway Store Director Steve Labs.

The Picnic will be held on Monday, June 18, 2018, at the Knights of Columbus McGivney Hall, following practice rounds for the 45th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.

January 29

Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce that Applebee’s will again sponsor the ever-popular Parent-Child tournament and associated events in 2018!

The optional 9-hole Applebee’s Parent-Child will be played Sunday (Father’s Day), June 17, 2018, on holes 19-27 at Westview Golf Course, Quincy, IL. The alternate shot event is the kick-off to the 45th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, which will be played June 18-20 in Quincy. The Parent-Child annually draws 60+ teams made up of one current Little People’s player and a parent, sibling or friend.

Applebee’s will also sponsor the Putting, Driving and Best Dressed Team contests, held in conjunction with the Parent-Child event.

In addition, on Monday, June 18, practice round day, Applebee’s will hold a Closest to the Pin contest on the 9th hole at Westview, with a $75 Gift Certificate from the Westview Pro Shop going to the winner.

An Applebee’s representative will be on hand at the Family Celebration Picnic on Monday night to present trophies and medals to the winners in all Applebee’s events.

“We are extremely delighted to have formed this partnership with Applebee’s,” stated Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director. “Applebee’s has long been a strong supporter of the tournament with its Closest to the Pin contest, and sponsoring the Parent-Child and associated events solidifies their belief in junior golf and Little People’s.”

“We are happy to continue our sponsorship of the Closest to the Pin Contest and the Parent-Child event,” said Kevin Allardice, Managing Partner of The Bloomin’ Apple, LLC, franchisee of Applebee’s. “As a golfer myself, I am extremely happy to help up-and-coming young golfers in the hopes that we may see them in the pros in the future.”

January 25

Former Little People’s player Ben Curtis is giving up the PGA Tour to open the Ben Curtis Golf Academy at Country Club of Hudson, OH. His goal is to not only teach the golf swing, but impart knowledge of the entire game to youngsters interested in high school or college golf, or who have aspirations of a career as a professional golfer.

“I want to talk to young players about the whole aspect of being a golfer at a certain level,” said Curtis. He wants to impart practical things, college preparation, and working with parents – all things he never received growing up.

“It’s something to do to try to give back and also stay in the game in a way I’m comfortable,” he adds. “I want to help kids maximize their potential on the golf course.”

Ben played Pepsi Little People’s in the mid-1980s, winning his 8-9 division in 1985 and placing 3rd in 1986. He placed 3rd in the 10-11 division in 1988. Ben’s brother, Nick, also played in Little People’s, and continues to play as an amateur.

In 2003, Ben was The Open Championship, becoming the first player since Francis Ouimet to win a major championship in his first start. He was named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year that same year. He finished T-2 in the 2008 PGA Championship.

Congratulations Ben – we wish you the greatest success!!

Here’s Ben hoisting the Claret Jug after his 2003 Open Championship victory.

January 24

Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce that Applebee’s will again sponsor the ever-popular Parent-Child tournament and associated events in 2018!

The optional 9-hole Applebee’s Parent-Child will be played Sunday (Father’s Day), June 17, 2018, on holes 19-27 at Westview Golf Course, Quincy, IL. The alternate shot event is the kick-off to the 45th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, which will be played June 18-20 in Quincy. The Parent-Child annually draws 60+ teams made up of one current Little People’s player and a parent, sibling or friend.

Applebee’s will also sponsor the Putting, Driving and Best Dressed Team contests, held in conjunction with the Parent-Child event.

In addition, on Monday, June 18, practice round day, Applebee’s will hold a Closest to the Pin contest on the 9th hole at Westview, with a $75 Gift Certificate from the Westview Pro Shop going to the winner.

An Applebee’s representative will be on hand at the Family Celebration Picnic on Monday night to present trophies and medals to the winners in all Applebee’s events.

“We are extremely delighted to have formed this partnership with Applebee’s,” stated Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director. “Applebee’s has long been a strong supporter of the tournament with its Closest to the Pin contest, and sponsoring the Parent-Child and associated events solidifies their belief in junior golf and Little People’s.”

“We are happy to continue our sponsorship of the Closest to the Pin Contest and the Parent-Child event,” said Kevin Allardice, Managing Partner of The Bloomin’ Apple, LLC, franchisee of Applebee’s. “As a golfer myself, I am extremely happy to help up-and-coming young golfers in the hopes that we may see them in the pros in the future.”

MGS ScholarshipPepsi Little People’s has announced that the Maureen Garrity Scholarship for Women has been established to honor Maureen Garrity, a long-time supporter and volunteer for the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.​Dr. Garrity passed away December 23, 2018, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.​Maureen spent 34 years at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and was particularly impactful in supporting student-led programs on social determinants of health, leadership and community service. Her impact on students, faculty, staff and colleagues across the country was truly amazing and leaves an immeasurable legacy of educators, physicians, leaders and friends.​For 16 years, Maureen was a year-round volunteer for the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championship, and could be seen during the tournament working on her computer, taking pictures, and cheering on the players.​This merit Scholarship was established to support the education of women who participate in the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships. The recipient should be a high school junior or senior, graduating in 2019 or 2020, with an unweighted grade-point average of 3.5 or above, who intends to pursue a college degree, and who competes in and completes the 2019 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.​This Scholarship will fund the recipient in an amount between $1500 and $2000 for her continuing education, as indicated in her personal statement.​For information and application, please email Nan Ryan, LPGC Executive Director, at ryannan@me.com. Completed application and associated documents must be received by the Little People’s office no later than April 15, 2019. ... See MoreSee Less